Vintage Kokeshi Doll ‘Chamekko’ by Masao Watanabe – Japan, 1950s

This unique vintage Kokeshi doll was created by renowned Japanese artist Masao Watanabe in the 1950s.

The design is titled ‘Chamekko’ (茶目っ子), which translates to “playful child” — a reflection of Watanabe’s deep fascination with children, who often served as inspiration for his charming figures.

Dimensions: Height 16 cm, base diameter 10 cm. In good condition with natural signs of age.

The doll's face is expressive and poetic, featuring large eyes, a gentle smile, wisps of hair across the forehead, and the remnants of a bow on either side of the head. Its simple elegance is characteristic of Watanabe’s distinctive style.

The figure is constructed from three parts: the head, the haori (a short, lightweight jacket), and the base. The body showcases the refined use of two types of wood — dark ebony (kokutan) and pale birch (kabanoki) — which subtly evoke the structure of traditional Japanese clothing. The surface is finished with a natural or tinted candle wax (rōsoku no rō), giving the piece a soft, warm sheen.

The bottom of the doll is hand-signed in Japanese script and stamped with Watanabe’s personal hanko seal — an authentic mark of authorship unique to his designs.

A refined and characterful collector’s item that pays tribute to Japanese folk art with understated elegance. Ideal for collectors of Kokeshi dolls or as a distinctive accent in a minimalist or Japan-inspired interior.